By Don Ketchum

The volleyball approach is simple for the girls from Glendale Ironwood High.

The goal is to be fundamentally sound, “take one day at a time and not leave the gym with any regrets,’’ said coach Kathy Wilson.

And because the Eagles seldom stray from that mindset, they rarely leave the gym with any losses.

They went home unscathed on Thursday night (Sept. 13) with a 3-0 victory over visiting Glendale Cactus (25-14, 25-19, 25-22) to raise their record to 13-1. Ironwood’s only loss was to Phoenix Desert Vista in the recent (Mesa) Westwood tournament.

Ironwood did a little bit of everything in dispatching Cactus (5-1).

In the first game, just about every player who served seemed to confound Cactus with odd spins, no spins and overall placement.

Led by senior Megan Powers, the Eagles turned to a power-point production in the second game. Powers had several kills and some blocks when Cactus tried to power the ball back.

The third game featured a combination of things.

Cactus took the early lead, but Ironwood remained patient with digs off the back row and was able to set up Powers, Corrin Toben, Vanessa Lozano and Amy Hollowell for big shots.

Sophomore libero Gaby Contreras had a strong game, as did the team’s primary setter, Sydney Bunker, a 5-foot-1 junior. She is bundle of energy and rarely misses an opportunity to dive for the ball.

“We focus on spreading things out, getting everybody involved,’’ said Wilson, whose team fell in last year’s Division II quarterfinals to Phoenix Arcadia, the eventual  runner-up to Phoenix Sunnyslope.

“Our girls are very disciplined. They have played together for awhile and have good team chemistry.’’

Division III Cactus came into this match unbeaten after a victory over Surprise Shadow Ridge on Wednesday night (Sept. 12). The Cobras have another road match on Sept. 19 against Division IV champion Phoenix Northwest Christian.

Ironwood had defeated Peoria Sunrise Mountain on Wednesday night. The team next plays on Tuesday night (Sept. 18) at Glendale Apollo.